The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a construction company.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could require approximately a month.
Shortcomings Uncovered
A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.
A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts.
Global Response
The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.
"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.
Historical Context and Demographics
The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.
Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.
The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.
